Some colonists also sought greater autonomy from British rule, while others were more radical and advocated for complete independence from Britain. However, the primary focus at the beginning of the American Revolution was on resisting specific British policies and preserving the colonists' rights within the British Empire.
The colonists expressed their grievances through various means, including petitions, protests, and boycotts. They also formed militias to defend themselves against potential military action from the British government. The Boston Tea Party in December 1773 was a significant act of protest that further escalated tensions between the colonists and the British authorities.
Overall, the initial goals of the colonists in 1775 were to defend their rights, resist oppressive policies, and secure a greater degree of self-government within the British Empire. The idea of complete independence and the creation of a new nation would develop later in the course of the American Revolution.